Guide to the Scriptures

Abraham

A son of Terah, born in Ur of the Chaldees (Gen. 11:26, 31; 17:5). A prophet of the Lord with whom the Lord made eternal covenants, through which all the nations of the earth are blessed. Abraham was originally named Abram.

The book of Abraham

Ancient records written by Abraham that came into the possession of the Church in 1835. The records and some mummies were discovered in Egyptian catacombs by Antonio Lebolo, who willed them to Michael Chandler. Chandler exhibited them in the United States in 1835. Some friends of Joseph Smith bought them from Chandler and gave them to the Prophet, who translated them. Some of these records are now found in the Pearl of Great Price.

Chapter 1 records Abraham’s experiences in Ur of the Chaldees, where wicked priests tried to sacrifice him. Chapter 2 tells of his journey to Canaan. The Lord appeared to him and made covenants with him. Chapter 3 records that Abraham saw the universe and perceived the relationships between heavenly bodies. Chapters 4–5 are another account of the Creation.

The seed of Abraham

People who, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ, receive the promises and covenants made by God to Abraham. Men and women may receive these blessings if they are literally of Abraham’s lineage or if they are adopted into his family by embracing the gospel and being baptized (Gal. 3:26–29; 4:1–7; D&C 84:33–34; 103:17; 132:30–32; Abr. 2:9–11). Literal descendants of Abraham may lose their blessings by disobedience (Rom. 4:13; 9:6–8).